Cannavaro prefers not to be favourites

Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro says he is happy his side will go into this summer's World Cup as underdogs.

Cannavaro lifted the trophy for Italy four years ago in Germany after the Azzurri defeated France on penalties in Berlin, but Marcello Lippi's ageing team are not expected to repeat that triumph this time around.

"It is better not to go as favourites. We'll see what happens later on, anyway, but for me the favourites are the same as always: Brazil, Spain, England, Argentina and Germany," Cannavaro told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 36 year-old Juventus defender will retire from international football after this summer's tournament.